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Things are heating up with DPW/CPW.  Time to write Cables and inform him of the shortcomings of his e-mail and my fix and bill philosophy.  Basically,

I believe you are right that many wildlife laws started as protecting commercial interests.  But they have been expanded greatly since often because of equal rights issues.  This law amendment makes that simpler and clearer:  You must provide equal protection to all.  Actually, what is really happening is that you provide worse than equal protection.  Some properties are protected, thereby sending the animals elsewhere to damage properties you refuse to protect.  CRS 33-3-103.5 does not mention anything about protection only for commercial interests; in fact it specifically states temporary game damage materials are to protect “private property.”  In other words, all or any private property.

It is unfortunate that the Commission has not issued regulations for this requirement.

(24) “Harass” means to unlawfully endanger, worry, impede, annoy, pursue, disturb, molest, rally, concentrate, harry, chase, drive, herd, or torment wildlife.My understanding is that “pyrotechnics” are used to frighten deer and elk.

Why the Division of Parks and Wildlife needs to do what they are supposed to.  Correction:  why the people working at the department need to do it.

1-10

1. It is the law.
2. The animals will remain wild.
3. It protects the environment.
4. To control costs the significant costs to homeowners, businesses, etc.
5. People are not above the law.
6. Government officials doing whatever they want to?  That is corruption.
7. Equal protection and equal rights.
8. The issue will receive the attention it needs.
9. Trees reduce energy costs.
10. Trees are beautiful.

http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2011/12/04/ccripe/reports_have_virginia_tech_sugar_bowl_boise_state_left_out?page=2

… walking your dog in a vacant lot next to where you live.  It is not a harmless, victimless crime.

It is getting in your car (or, ahem, truck) and driving to a public park.

Often, like today, I notice it because of the noise (this time, the three dogs at the house in front of the park barking at the dog running around).

It has been going on for about an hour.

This was written in March, 2004.

To call it “proven” is not accurate.  That is part of the problem when fighting against deer and elk:  it is a long, ongoing war.

The gist was fine but there are a number of specific refinements:

1. In an area with elk six feet is not high enough.  Six and a half feet is likely enough (particularly for a strong, straight, established tree).  It is important to consider that the terrain (e.g., steepness) may make the height of protection seem like much less.
2. Chicken wire alone does not assure a solution.  Think Like A Beast Tree Protectors (TM) have undergone several key product refinements since this was written.
3. Pruning properly has a lot to do with tree health.
4. Landscaping basics such as good soil, mulch, water, and fertilizer have a lot to do with tree health.